Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a team of scientists studied how platinum atoms move across the material’s surface. TEM requires an airless environment to operate, so it is impossible to work without the graphene structure that keeps the liquid closed. In an airless environment, the behavior of the material changes.
Lead author of the study, Dr. “In our study, we show that misleading information is given if atomic behavior is studied in vacuum rather than using our liquid cells,” Nick Clark said in a statement. “This is just the beginning. We want to use this technique now to support the development of materials for sustainable chemical processing necessary to meet Earth’s net zero goals.”
The platinum atoms were resting on the inner surfaces, and the liquid slid them at a higher speed than without the liquid. They also discovered that the presence of salt water causes changes in the placement of atoms on surfaces.
You can watch the video of the atoms floating on the liquid below:
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